Info session: Guidance on mechanical PET recycling | Presentations and recordings

Background

On 10 October 2022, Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 entered into force, providing a new legal basis for recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foods.

The regulation sets out new definitions and concepts for the recycling of food contact materials (FCMs) and establishes the procedure (including certain data requirements) for the preparation of applications for the authorisation of recycling processes. In addition, it also sets out suitable technologies and defines if recycling processes are subject to individual authorisations.

In this regulatory context, EFSA published a scientific guidance document for post-consumer mechanical PET recycling. The document describes the evaluation criteria and the scientific evaluation approach EFSA will use to evaluate the decontamination capability of recycling processes as well as the information required to be included in an application dossier. The publication of this guidance document on 30 July 2024 was accompanied by new administrative guidance for the preparation of applications on recycling processes.

Objectives of the meeting

This in-person event was intended to serve as a platform for disseminating the content of the guidance document, providing stakeholders with insights on the evaluation criteria and scientific evaluation approach for mechanical PET recycling processes as well as requirements for the application dossiers.

A specific slot during the info session, as well as a dedicated info corner, offered an opportunity to receive information on the pre-submission activities, the submission of an application and the support initiatives available to applicants. Additionally, updates on risk management matters related to recycling were provided by the European Commission.

To ensure alignment with stakeholders’ interests, we shaped the programme also based on any questions, suggestions, and clarification needs collected through the registration form.

Contact

Do not hesitate to contact the organising committee at events [at] efsa.europa.eu (events[at]efsa[dot]europa[dot]eu) for more information.

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